Vinyl siding is a plastic exterior cladding used for weatherproofing and decorating buildings and according to the U.S. census bureau, 33% of homeowner’s used Vinyl siding for their homes in 2013. That’s a good percentage to have over other siding options.

It’s a popular alternative to aluminum, fiber cement or the more traditional wood siding as well as other competitors such as brick, stucco and concrete. It is made up of about 80% polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin and the rest of the ingredients make it strong, flexible and resistant to tough impacts.

Here’s a list of reason why you should love vinyl siding.

Energy Efficient-money saver

Durable

Low Maintenance – soap and water

Go Green!

Fade resistant – today’s new and improved vinyl siding doesn’t fade against the heat of the sun’s rays.

Many Faces – can mimick the look of wood and other textures

Cons:

Not watertight. Yes, Vinyl siding is water resistant, but it’s unfortunately not waterproof. Water sometimes seeps in between the surface of the home and siding.

Let’s talk more on efficiency

During the cold winter months, the extra insulation vinyl siding provides can decrease your heating cost. It enhances the look of your home, which in turn enhances your homes value. That with its longevity and low maintenance, this siding can pay you back the money you spent on this excellent investment. Insulated siding improves energy efficiency by reducing thermal bridging it uses continuous insulation over the studs, which helps homes stay cool in summer and warm in winter. The cost of vinyl siding will depend on a few things. First being, the type of vinyl you choose will impact the costs. Second, how thick the vinyl is, will also increase the price. Third, the styles you choose from – cedar shakes, or traditional clapboard have huge differences in costs.

Oh you want more reasons to love vinyl, oh okay.

Weather the effects of sunshine, rain and heavy winds of 110 miles per hour, and most achieve a wind rating higher than that.

Architectural styles using vinyl and other polymeric siding.

Varying textures, from smooth to deep wood grain

For everything that vinyl siding provides, what homeowners often value most is its low total installed cost, which, is much lower than all other exterior cladding with a lifetime warranty. It’s also inexpensive to maintain because it never needs painting, caulking, periodic cleaning requires nothing more than a soapy sponge and water.

Siding used to have a bad reputation, but now that it’s new and improved, weather proof, insect proof, fade proof, the PROOF is vinyl siding is virtually indestructible, of course under “normal” circumstances. Let’s not get carried away to test that theory out with a sledgehammer — otherwise, you might end up reading flex seal reviews to stop any leaks : ).